There are reasons why you should stock a specific number of cattle in a given space.
This is because the number of cows per space determines the comfort of the animals.
Stock density
Stock density influences the lying time of dairy cattle. Overstocking reduces lying time. When the cows would normally be lying in a cubicle, they are forced to stand outside the stall.
Cows are more likely to displace others from free-stalls at high stocking densities. Normally dominant cows will displace the low-rank cows, particularly heifers, so the low-rank ones will reduce their lying time even more than the high-rank ones.
Ventilation in resting area
A cow which has inadequate fresh air will not lie down readily because she can breathe better when she is standing. So, it is important to make sure there is good ventilation in front of the cow stalls.
Air movement is important to reduce barn humidity and heat. Condensation, cobwebs, the smell of ammonia, coughing cows and those breathing through their mouths open are signs of poor ventilation.
Humidity in cubicles
Humidity in the cubicles provides good conditions for pathogenic bacteria to develop. With good ventilation and frequent cleaning of the bedding, you can have dry stalls with reduced moisture levels.
This can help to depress bacterial growth. Humidity in a barn can be easily seen as moisture on the walls or roof.
Flies control in resting area
Flies cause irritation, creating a serious threat to the productivity of the dairy cow. Studies show that a tormenting population of flies can reduce milk yields.
Flies could also jeopardise milk quality. The various bacteria and viruses they carry might find their way not only to the cows (leading to the spread of diseases), but also into the milk via clusters.
Reducing the fly population means less stress and disease.
Ruminating during rest time
A cow has to ruminate for seven to 10 hours a day. Fifty percent of cows lying down must be ruminating — otherwise, there is not enough effective fibre in the ration.
